Archive for August, 2007

Wall-mounted single-lever washbasin mixer

August 29, 2007


A simplistic modern design, the new Dornbracht Meta.02 Wall-mounted washbasin mixer offers a subtle accent to contemporary vanities and basins. A two piece design, the Meta.02 wall-mounted mixer features a simple tubular spout and a separate cylindrical temperature control. By breaking these two functions into separate units, each has a practical elegance. The spout features an uncluttered design as it elegantly reaches over the basin before sweeping dramatically down. When paired with the circular control and it’s tall slender lever, the faucet is united in a modern style while each retains a simple elegance. A fabulous Sieger Design by Dornbracht, the Meta.02 faucet adds glitter and glamour to modern vanities and luxurious basins.

Home Base Expot

August 29, 2007

About Home Base Expo:
Home Base Expo is Perth’s Premier Home Improvement Display Centre. If you are building, renovating or simply making improvements to your home, visit our comprehensive display centre for the most up to date products on the market

With FREE parking and flexible trading hours, you can see all the latest building products and trends under one roof.

They also offer that latest in home improvement courses and seminars.


Wanting to renovate your kitchen? Live in Perth? We have several resources which can help you achieve the best kitchen renovation possible! You will find example designs which you can use for ideas and also recommended Perth businesses who are happy to help you design the perfect kitchen.

Kitchen Design Courtesy of A1 Kitchen Design Kitchen Design Courtesy of The Kitchen Factory Kitchen Design Courtesy of The Kitchen Factory

Compact Kitchen with timber
look, fold out ironing board and window design.

Stainless steel rangehood with
black benchtop and island bench with lots of drawers.

Compact kitchen with lots of
cupboard space and island bench including seating.

Kitchen Design Courtesy of The Kitchen Factory Kitchen Design Courtesy of The Kitchen Factory Kitchen Design Courtesy of The Kitchen Factory

Industrial kitchen design with excellent use of a red
glass splashback. An ideal commercial kitchen design.

Themed kitchen with lots of benchtop space and large window
area to take advantage of natural light.

Large kitchen area with lots of cupboard space and trendy
timber vertical blinds to add a bit of colour and style.

Tiffin MotorHome

August 28, 2007


How often do you get an opportunity to drive first class? When does a cross-country trek feel like a pampered ride in the lap of luxury? In the Tiffin Zephyr, every journey, no matter how long or short, is as comfortable and indulgent as it gets.
From the expansive living space to the meticulous nature of the coach’s details, the Zephyr will cause you to replace every preconceived notion you have about life on the road with a big, toothy grin. Hey, that’s just how people react to the royal treatment that comes standard with every Zephyr.

  • Fully tiled living room
  • Decorative wall and dinette lighting package
  • Decorative ceiling panel
  • Home theater system with DVD Player
  • Full length mirror
  • Built-in dinette cabinets with storage (with free standing table)
  • Optional leather Euro recliner and computer/end table on driver side
  • August 24, 2007

    The Milano Bedding collection is the result of more that 40 years of experience and the collaboration of expert craftsmen and world renowned designers. Our sofa-beds are designed for everyday use, either as a sofa or bed.We use state-of-art mechanisms that easily converts the sofas into a conventional be without having to removeany of the cushions. Loose covers, allow you to change the look of your home as often as you like.The right choice for satisfaction and relaxation is Milano Bedding.

    The Marlon divan is a modern design with a weld mesh mattress base support, and becomes a single bed by simply pulling the seat forward. The legs are chromium plated, whilst the back is chromed and covered in white nylon net.



    House Hunting In The USA

    August 22, 2007


    Now, what if you could only choose 5 to 10 of these options? How would you prioritize it then? These details are invaluable when dealing with the Realtor (guess we’d better get used that word, if you are going to integrate into a new way of life).
    What Can You Afford?

    Figuring out what you want and how to get it….
    No matter how well you can picture your dream American house and communicate that idea to a Realtor, (that’s real estate agent to you and me) the house you finally fall in love with, may have little resemblance to the picture you started out with in your head. But you have to begin somewhere, and a detailed wish list is a great start. Let’s say your wish list in order of priority, looks like this:

    * Two bedrooms, two bathsImage
    * Safe, quiet neighborhood
    * Garden
    * Ability to add on
    * No major repairs needed
    * Close to downtown
    * Craftsman-style detached home
    * Lots of natural daylight
    * Parking
    * Good investment with excellent resale potential
    * Affordable property taxes
    * Neighborhood matches family personality, culturally and politically
    * Enclosed laundry area
    * Walk-in closet in master bedroom
    * Gas hookup for stove
    * Back deck or patio
    * Close to work, schools, church
    * Finished basement for office or guest room
    * No threat of commercial encroachment
    * Within 1/2 hour of the airport
    * Hardwood floors
    * French doors leading to backyard
    * Close to public transportation

    Every market is different, but the first step to answering this question is finding out what you can pay on a monthly basis after you’ve made your down payment—5, 10 or 20 percent of the asking price of the house. The deposit will also depend on the type of visa you acquire or if you have a green card.

    Don’t forget, you don’t need a visa to buy a holiday home in the States.
    Find a loan officer.

    The best way to learn what you can afford is to get prequalified for a loan. Your Realtor may recommend someone or you can just walk into the office of a local lender. Do not expect it to be easy if you are a “New Arrival”. Prequalifying won’t cost you anything, except a sales pitch, since the lender would love your business when you’re ready to apply for a loan. You’ll walk away with a good idea of how your income, assets and liabilities translate into what you can afford, and it can also help your chances of beating out the competition in a sellers market (where there are more buyers than houses on the market). Or you will walk out banging your head against a brick wall.
    Do the math.

    You can start by doing a simple calculation on your own.

    Broker wisdom says that monthly payments should be 25 to 33 percent of your monthly gross income.

    To calculate: Take your monthly income before taxes, including all sources, and divide it by four. Subtract from this figure the total amount you pay per month in debts (loans, charge accounts and the like). The result is the lower end of what you can reasonably afford to pay on a monthly basis. After deducting monthly homeowners insurance (say, $50 per month) and property tax payments ($100), you’ll see approximately what you can afford for your monthly loan payment. To calculate the higher end, divide by three instead of four.

    To find out how this translates in terms of house pricing, multiply your final total above by 12 (months) and then divide that number by the average interest rate on loans today—say, 8 percent cent. The result is the approximate market you’ll be focusing on.
    Additional costs.

    Keep in mind that in addition to the purchase price you’ll need extra cash for closing costs (including points and fees), inspection and future expenses. Everyone who works on your loan expects to get paid. To get through closing—meaning, once you’ve signed the last remaining paper after agreeing on price and terms with the seller—the cost TO YOU will typically be 2 to 7 percent more than the agreed-upon selling price. If you calculate that from the middle zone, at 4.5 percent, a $200,000 house will cost $209,000 to purchase. Be sure to consider annual property taxes and repairs (predictable and unexpected). First time home owners also, in the States, typically have to also pay the first years worth of house insurance up front, at least 2 to 3 months of property tax (similar to council tax and with similar benefits). The closer, either an attorney or a title company depending on the State will also require payment for their services. Underwriting and processing fees can be hefty but ask your Mortgage officer to ensure that you are protected and explain the process to you upfront. A good Mortgage officer will go through the closing costs at the start of the application, so that there are no nasty surprises in store. Also ensure that you are as honest as you can with the mortgage officer, about your situation, any nasty shocks can break a deal.

    Take heart in knowing that most first-time buyers in America are simply getting into the housing market. Your dream house may be two or three houses into the future and with so much choice…..you could end up becoming an Investment Tycoon.
    Starting the House Hunt

    So now, we know what the priorities are, how much we can spend, now we have to decide what kind of house we are looking for…..a condominium (customized flat that you own), co-op (a flat that is within a shared building), townhouse (we would say terrace house but heck of a lot bigger and nicer), single-family detached home (detached house with the yard) or if you really have cash to splash, then a custom built mansion. Begin with interviewing several Realtors, if you aren’t sure, ask for references or maybe someone can refer/recommend you to an agent. A great Realtor can educate you about what to look for and avoid, provide reliable references for other experts you’ll need along the line—such as lenders and inspectors—and represent honestly you in negotiations and at closing.

    Now you are ready to start explore the housing market. It is recommended to view as many houses as possible so you can achieve a sense of market value and better understand the area housing market. Initially look below the PREFERRED (PURCHASE PRICE) value you were thinking of, you may find a bargain that you would have missed. Remember; at each house that you view (and that includes “open houses”) inform them of your Realtor’s name and your loan officer.

    Ask around about other people’s Home buying experiences after all, there is no one better to share advice and ideas than people who have already done this prior to you. Since the internet is a great place to start as Expats, (as we are nicknamed) we have quite a lot of websites available to us to utilize.

    Lastly, when you feel like your feet can take no more, take the day off – the houses will still be there tomorrow! You will look back on this experience and say it was all worthwhile.

    Good luck and happy house hunting.

    Twilight by Mike and Ally

    August 22, 2007


    Skilled artisans use a traditional technique of blending colors called “umbre” to created the Twillight Collection. Available in cream pearl/almond or black/platinum.

    Coin by Hudson Park

    August 22, 2007


    NEW!
    Coin by Hudson Park

    A woven geometric jacquard in rich cognac. Intricate colored yarns add depth and texture. In soft polyester/rayon/linen/cotton. Imported.

    - Exclusively at Bloomingdale’s

    Intangible Cube Candleholders by Baccarat

    August 22, 2007


    NEW!
    Intangible Cube Candleholders by Baccarat

    From designer Arik Levy, the Intangible collection in stunning Baccarat crystal brings contemporary shapes to classic objects. The Cube Candleholders are both strong and whimsical and will make a statement wherever placed.

    - 2-Cube Candleholder: 3-7/8″H
    - 3-Cube Candleholder: 5-7/8″
    - 5-Cube Candleholder: 9-7/8″
    - Made in France

    Antique World Mural

    August 22, 2007


    This large antique reproduction world mural shows a map of the world and trade routes. In the corners are an explorer with telescope and 2 images of the wind. This mural is a real piece of art.

    Moderesque Sleigh Bedroom Collection Set

    August 21, 2007


    This set is a staple to the balanced Feng shui home. The design with open ends on the headboard and footboard allow energy to flow while you sleep. The simple yet appealing lines give shape and clarity to any bedroom.

    Product Information
    King Bed
    Length: 96″
    Width: 80″
    Height: 54″ Cal King Bed
    Length: 100″
    Width: 76″
    Height: 54″ Queen Bed
    Length: 96″
    Width: 63″
    Height: 54″ Nightstand
    Length: 28″
    Width: 18″
    Height: 28″ Dresser
    Length: 68″
    Width: 20″
    Height: 35″ Mirror
    Length: 48″
    Width: 2″
    Height: 44″ Chest
    Length: 38″
    Width: 19″
    Height: 52″ Armoire
    Length: 44″
    Width: 22″
    Height: 72″

    Solid birch wood construction. Tight grain birch wood veneer. Aluminum metal hardware. Fogged pains of glass in the case pieces. Dovetailed solid wood drawer construction & drawer stops. Nightstands feature pull out extension tray. Beautiful quality solid wood bedroom furniture. This is a solid set without and wonderfully affordable!